Happy 4th of July!

Celebrating our independence. [logo] Celebrating Independence Day As we gear up for today's celebrations, let’s take a moment to reflect on the rich history of this great day and the backbone of our nation—rural America. When the Revolutionary War began in April 1775, the idea of complete independence from Britain was considered radical by most colonists. However, by mid-1776, growing revolutionary sentiments and the influence of Thomas Paine's bestselling pamphlet "Common Sense" shifted public opinion. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later, they adopted the Declaration of Independence, marking July 4th as the celebrated day of American freedom. The early celebrations of Independence Day included parades, concerts, bonfires, and fireworks, symbolizing the triumph of liberty. These festivities began as a way to commemorate the birth of the new nation and to unite its citizens. For instance, in 1778, George Washington issued double rations of rum to his soldiers to mark the anniversary of independence, and in 1781, Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday. The tradition of setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported: “At night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks, which began and concluded with thirteen rockets, on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” This tradition has continued, with fireworks becoming a central part of Independence Day celebrations across the country. As the years passed, the Fourth of July became a platform for various political causes. By the end of the 18th century, Federalists and Democratic-Republicans began holding separate celebrations, turning the day into an arena for political expression. Despite this, the overarching theme of unity and patriotism remained. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday, and in 1941, it was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees. This established Independence Day as a cornerstone of American culture, filled with parades, patriotic concerts, family gatherings, and barbecues. As we celebrate our independence, it is vital to recognize and honor the contributions of rural America. Their dedication and hard work keep our democracy strong and our freedoms intact. Rural America plays a crucial role in our nation's fabric. The hardworking spirit and dedication of rural communities ensure that the values of freedom and democracy thrive. These communities are the heartland of our country and embody the spirit of independence and resilience that Independence Day celebrates. Supporting rural America helps protect the core principles our nation was built on. Join us today as we honor our past, defend our democracy, and celebrate our freedom. Together, we can ensure that the principles upon which our nation was founded remain strong and vibrant. Wishing you a happy and safe Independence Day! [→ Support Rural Democrats]( Thanks for joining our celebration of freedom! — No Dem Left Behind  No Dem Left Behind PAC P.O. Box 15320 Washington, D.C. 20003 You are subscribed to this email as {EMAIL}. Click here to modify your [preferences]( or [unsubscribe](.